18 Oct 2017

Assistant Professor, Shallow Environmental/Engineering Geophysics

University of Texas at El Paso
College of Science
Department of Geological Sciences

Position Description: The Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) announces a tenure-track position in shallow environmental/engineering geophysics. We are particularly interested in candidates with a concentration in shallow characterization (e.g., potential fields, seismic, etc.) and/or modeling relevant to a wide range of issues, including but not limited to environmental applications that would connect geophysical, geomechanical, geochemical, hydrological, and biological observations. We seek candidates whose teaching and research will integrate into one or more of the Department’s focus areas: solid Earth and environmental geophysics, Earth system geochemistry, tectonics and sedimentation, geospatial research, professional and entrepreneurial geoscience, and science learning and education.

The successful candidate will teach a combination of introductory, upper division, and graduate classes. Applicants must demonstrate both a strong publication record and the potential to attract research funding from a variety of external sources. The ability to collaborate with other faculty both within and external to the Department is highly desired.

The Department: The Department of Geological Sciences at UTEP is a vibrant group of 21 tenured and tenure-track faculty. The degrees the Department offers include the B.S. and M.S. in Geophysics, the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Geology, and the B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Science. We also support student training in interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs with Environmental Science and Engineering and Computational Science. The Department research portfolio addresses global challenges in the environment and natural resources while taking advantage of our regional geological setting for research and education. Our integrative and collaborative efforts have resulted in research expenditures of approximately $11M over the last five years.

The Department of Geological Sciences is housed in an attractive, 90,000-sq. ft. building containing offices, laboratories, and classrooms. Geophysical research infrastructure includes >350 Fairfield Z-Land and Reftek-125A 5-Hz seismometers, broadband and short-period seismometers, a 24-channel Geode seismic recording system, various mechanical seismic sources, gravimeters, magnetometers, differential GPS receivers, surface and downhole geophysical tools (conductivity, resistivity), ground-penetrating radar, and extensive computational and software resources. UTEP also houses the Seismic Source Facility. We also have a suite of geochemical instruments including a multi-collector (MC)-ICP-MS, a quadrupole ICP-MS, an ICP-OES, a total sulfur and carbon analyzer, an ion chromatography, a laser water isotope analyzer, an IRMS, an electron microprobe, and a Malvern particle size analyzer. More information about the activities and facilities in the Department can be found at http://science.utep.edu/geology/. In addition, the collaborative research environment at UTEP affords access to a variety of analytical equipment in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry and the NanoMaterials Integration Lab. Interactions with the Center for Environmental Resource Management and other multidisciplinary research centers are encouraged.

About UTEP and El Paso: The University of Texas at El Paso is a burgeoning national and international research university committed to access and excellence. A leader among Hispanic-serving institutions, UTEP enrolls over 25,000 students and is the only doctoral research university in the nation with a majority Mexican-American student body. UTEP is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as “Community Engaged,” and UTEP faculty have been nationally recognized for their commitment to student success, teaching, research, and scholarship.

As a center for intellectual capital, UTEP has awarded more than 110,000 degrees since its founding in 1914 and is one of the major economic engines in the Paso Del Norte region. UTEP offers exciting programs that are open to the public, including: Division I athletics, award-winning theater, dance, and music, the internationally acclaimed Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, the Centennial Museum and Desert Gardens, and continuing and lifelong educational opportunities.

El Paso County is a highly livable, bi-cultural community of more than 830,000 people, which offers affordable homes and attractive neighborhoods. It is the safest large city in the United States. Embraced by mountains on three sides, El Paso experiences more than 300 days of sunshine annually and a dry climate, making it possible to enjoy outdoor activities year round. The city of El Paso is adjacent to both the state of New Mexico and the country of Mexico, making it a leading area for cultural diversity and border health research. El Paso comprises 248 square miles, making it the 6th largest city in Texas and 19th largest city in the United States.

Required Qualifications: The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. degree in a relevant field at the time of appointment. Candidates capable of building active research programs, teaching at all levels, and engaging in collaborative research are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications: A track record of peer-reviewed publications and attainment of research funding is preferred. Teaching experience in the field, laboratory or classroom will also be a consideration. Demonstrated collaborations in research are valued as well.

Application Procedures: Applications must submit the following: (1) a letter of interest, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a description of research interests, (4) a description of teaching interests, (5) a description of how the applicant would approach broadening participation of underrepresented groups in the geosciences, and (6) complete contact information for at least three references. Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated appointment date is fall 2018. Please contact Search Committee Chair Dr. Marianne Karplus (mkarplus@utep.edu) for questions and additional information.

In keeping with its Access and Excellence mission, the University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity in employment or the provision of services.